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Nicki Minaj Debuts New Single on Ellen, Speaks on Endorsing Pepsi

On today’s (May 10) Ellen Degeneres Show, the self-proclaimed Barbie Nicki Minaj performed her new single “Right by My Side.” Surrounded by male dancers and perched on a white throne atop a flight of stairs, the flashy performer both sang and rapped live in a long, pink skirt complete with denim jacket and gold medallions. Her appearance on the show was also accompanied by a chat with Ellen and mega Minaj fans Sophia Grace and Rosie.

The “Moment for Life” singer is also the newest artist to endorse Pepsi, as her commercial using the same song debuted on Monday May 7th. Pepsi has been famously endorsed by the biggest stars including Michael Jackson, Britney Spears, Mariah Carey, and Beyonce. In speaking with the Insider, she explains how, as a black girl, she was most inspired by Beyonce’s endorsement as “something so iconic,” and thus “makes this moment feel that much more amazing” for her.

In the same interview, she speaks on how the song “Moment for Life” came about, which turned out to be a good fit for the Pepsi brand. During the making of her first album, Minaj says she was overwhelmed by the positive response to her music, and as an underground artist, she wasn’t used to the buzz. She says, “I went into the studio, heard this amazing track, and right there in the moment, I kinda wished I could freeze everything that was happening cuz it felt so exciting…so I just started singing I wish I could have this moment for life…I didn’t write it down, I just felt that [was] what the track was saying.”

The commercial is called “Live for Now” and encourages us to live in the moment and enjoy life. The commercial expands on Nicki’s experience on how she wanted to “freeze” everything. Check out the extended cut below: